About a seven and a half hour drive south of Norman, Galveston, Texas, offers a variety of things to do on the coast over spring break.
Restaurants
The Spot
The Spot is a beachfront restaurant offering locally sourced seafood, burgers and hand-spun milkshakes. The Spot is known for its bold flavor, making it a family-friendly destination for visitors and locals alike. The Spot is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11p.m. Friday through Saturday at 3204 Seawall Blvd.
Good Dough
Good Dough is a scratch kolache bakery offering traditional Czech, Texas-style and unique kolaches. Their doughnuts and kolaches are known around Galveston and have become a local favorite. They have unique flavors for doughnuts and kolaches like ‘Cherry Hill Racer’ and ‘Everything But The Bagel.’ Good Dough is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday at 1506 39th St.
Cooper’s Landing
Cooper’s Landing is a popular fine dining experience in Galveston. Enjoy freshly caught seafood while also looking at incredible water views. The menu features a variety of dishes like pan-fried Chilean sea bass with scallops and ceviche. Cooper’s Landing is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at 11150 Termini-San Luis Pass Road.
Bubba Gump Shrimp
Located on the island’s historic Pleasure Pier, Bubba Gump Shrimp is a seafood restaurant inspired by the film “Forrest Gump.” The hours can be found online, and the restaurant is at 2501 Seawall Blvd.
Coastal Grill
In 1994, Samy Rehem opened Coastal Grill because he felt Galveston locals deserved a restaurant with high-quality food and unbeatable prices. Rehem worked with his team to create a delicious menu, offering a variety of fresh seafood favorites like crab cake and shrimp gumbo. Coastal Grill is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 1827 Strand St.
Cafe in the Park at Moody Gardens
Located in the lobby of the Moody Gardens Hotel, Cafe in the Park serves breakfast, lunch and dinner options ranging from classics like burgers to fresh Gulf shrimp. Cafe in the Park is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at 7 Hope Blvd.
Things to Do
Stewart Beach
Stewart Beach is a premier family-friendly beach in Galveston. It is near most of the shops and restaurants located in Galveston. Stewart Beach is currently open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, although the hours change based on the season. The beach is at 401 Seawall Blvd and admission is $15.
Pleasure Pier
Located on Stewart Beach, Pleasure Pier has activities for everyone including rides, restaurants and fair games. Some rides include the Texas Star Flyer and the Gulf Glider. Tickets are available online for $29.99 or $23.99 for all-day passes, based on height. They are open from noon to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday at 2501 Seawall Blvd.
The Grand 1894 Opera House
The Grand 1894 Opera House is a nonprofit performing arts theatre in Galveston. During spring break, EVIL WOMAN – The American ELO will perform “The Electric Light Orchestra Experience.” Tickets range from $31.50 - $70, varying on your view, and are available online. The opera house is open based on showtimes with EVIL WOMAN starting at 8 p.m. at 2020 Postoffice St.
Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens has experiences such as a world-class aquarium, living rainforest, animal encounters and a variety of fascinating exhibits, activities, and events. General admission tickets are $45 for adults, $40 for children and seniors and are available online. Moody Gardens is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1 Hope Blvd.
Shopping
Murdochs
Murdochs is a gift shop featuring souvenirs, beach supplies and a back deck with a clear view of the Gulf Coast. It is right on the beach, making it a convenient stop for beach day supplies. Visitors can buy merchandise and souvenirs to remember their trip. Murdochs is open 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at 2215 Seawall Blvd.
The Strand
The Strand in historic downtown Galveston is a shopping strip that draws visitors to boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and more. The Strand features more than 100 stores like The Admiralty and Bee Lees. Check out individual store hours online.
Surf Styles
Surf Styles is where you want to go if you are in need of a beach day. It has the latest in surf appeal, footwear and accessories for any kind of beach adventure. It is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at 2119 The Strand.
Postoffice Street
Marked by its beautiful Victorian architecture and colorfully painted storefronts, Postoffice Street is full of charm, with art galleries, boutiques, antique shops, live entertainment and more. This area is also famous for its restaurants and coffeehouses. Check out individual store hours online.
The Naked Mermaid
The Naked Mermaid is a unique boutique offering local artist pieces, Texas-made candles, repurposed furniture, jewelry and children's items. The Naked Mermaid is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at 2113 Postoffice St.
This story was edited by Madisson Cameron. Geethika Kollu, Andrew Paredes and Sophie Hemker copy edited this story.
